Olympic medallist three day event rider Mary King has apologised to her fans after she was banned from competing for two months for dangerous riding.

The ban came into force after her performance last weekend at Bramham Horse Trials, where mum-of-two Mary, 53, from Salcombe Regis, near Sidmouth, received a yellow card from the event’s ground jury.

It was felt Mary, who retired MHS King Joules half way around the cross country course, should have pulled the horse up sooner.

The London 2012 silver medallist has been suspended from competing until early August.

The popular rider – a role model for many young riders – said she was ‘embarrassed’ by the ban and ‘sorry’ it had happened, adding she was ‘shocked and devastated’ to be suspended.

Mary, who posted the news on her website, said: “I received a yellow card at Bramham Horse Trials last weekend. I was given one last year and if you receive two within a 12 month period you are suspended for two months, which means I am unable to event from now until August 9th.”

Mary said she took the decision to pull up MHS King Joules – known as Jay at home - because she found him ‘disappointingly strong and unruly’ across country.

She said: “I pulled him up half way around the cross country course and retired after we had jumped the first part of a rail, ditch, rail combination. He dropped his back legs on the first rail and the frangible pin broke.

“It felt dangerous and neither of us were enjoying ourselves so I thought it best to stop before we had an accident.

“The ground jury have interviewed me and said I should have pulled up at the fence before.

“They said because I am a high profile rider, and role model for younger riders, I should have been more sensible

“I received a yellow card for dangerous riding. I was completely shocked and devastated.”

Mary’s daughter, Emily, will take on her mother’s rides until the ban is lifted.

“I had a couple of younger horses doing some events during June and July, so Emily is going to ride them,” said Mary.

“I love my horses and love the sport. I am very sorry this has happened.”